Happy 12th Birthday Jacob!
It is hard to believe that 12 years ago God gave me my oldest son, Jacob Miles. It was truly a grand day. However, when Jacob was a newborn, I was certain I would never have more children. I swear the kid slept with his eyes open so he wouldn’t miss a thing going on in his new world. He would have made a perfect lab rat for any scientist who would have wanted to try a Concerta type formula for babies. I am certain he would have qualified under any checklist for ADHD! He started to sleep at reasonable times around the age of 4 and the circles under my eyes eventually did fade.
The last 12 years have been a process of trial and error because as we all know these kids don’t come with an owner’s manual. It would make the process easier but not as entertaining.
As Jacob gets older and his cute little face starts to break out in volcano- sized pimples and his hair is in a constant state of a hot curly mess I can’t help but remembering that cuddly 7 pound 3 ounce baby that would stare at me all night with his big baby blue eyes.
Jacob continues to entertain me with quick come -backs and silly tricks but those are also the same things that annoy me the most. I look at his dimples sunk into his face like moon craters and know it is all just a “phase.” One day this quirky kid will grow up into a mature young man who knows the difference between right and wrong. I am certain one day he will reach a point that every decision he makes will force him into a self- reflection question of “Would I get grounded for this?”
Happy Birthday buddy!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Life Lessons
As a parent, we are offered many opportunities to trick our children, tell them white lies, torture them, love them, duct tape them to the wall... ok.... so maybe I have never had to actually duct tape my kids to the wall but that doesn't mean it hasn't crossed my mind on occasion. My children have learned some real life lessons in their short lives. The following is a brief list of true lessons. Read with caution.
1.) Under all circumstances, you must use a tissue on your nose and wiping your boogers on the bedroom wall is always a no- no. Saving them for later is not an option.
2.) It is necessary to wipe your bottom after going #2 even if it SEEMS like it was a "clean poop." I don't even know what that means but it required some serious reasoning on my part!
3.) It is not a safety violation nor will the police give me a ticket because I have allowed your imaginary friend to ride in the van without a seat belt.
4.) Leaving your imaginary friend in Wal-Mart after we have packed up the car and buckled up could put your real life in danger because this could cause Mommy to unleash the beast within her.
5.) Asking your sister to bite off your toenail even if it is hanging by a little bitty piece is NOT normal or funny.
6.) It is never a good idea to allow your brother to tie a piece of string around your loose tooth to pull it out even if he pinky promises to tie it around the "right" tooth next time.
7.) If you are not responsible and forget your homework, lunch at home, or other important papers I will not bring it to school for you. If you forget to tell me about a project, you will suffer the consequences at school and still have to do the project.
8.) People will laugh at you if you pee while walking into Wal-Mart. You should at least go between two cars and not tinkle while actually walking.
9.) If I yell at you for not being responsible it is because I love you and if you don't pull your head out of your tush some time soon, chances are it will be stuck there forever. If this happens, who will give me tissue for my nose and force me to wipe my bottom when I am old?
Love my kids and the lessons they teach us all!
1.) Under all circumstances, you must use a tissue on your nose and wiping your boogers on the bedroom wall is always a no- no. Saving them for later is not an option.
2.) It is necessary to wipe your bottom after going #2 even if it SEEMS like it was a "clean poop." I don't even know what that means but it required some serious reasoning on my part!
3.) It is not a safety violation nor will the police give me a ticket because I have allowed your imaginary friend to ride in the van without a seat belt.
4.) Leaving your imaginary friend in Wal-Mart after we have packed up the car and buckled up could put your real life in danger because this could cause Mommy to unleash the beast within her.
5.) Asking your sister to bite off your toenail even if it is hanging by a little bitty piece is NOT normal or funny.
6.) It is never a good idea to allow your brother to tie a piece of string around your loose tooth to pull it out even if he pinky promises to tie it around the "right" tooth next time.
7.) If you are not responsible and forget your homework, lunch at home, or other important papers I will not bring it to school for you. If you forget to tell me about a project, you will suffer the consequences at school and still have to do the project.
8.) People will laugh at you if you pee while walking into Wal-Mart. You should at least go between two cars and not tinkle while actually walking.
9.) If I yell at you for not being responsible it is because I love you and if you don't pull your head out of your tush some time soon, chances are it will be stuck there forever. If this happens, who will give me tissue for my nose and force me to wipe my bottom when I am old?
Love my kids and the lessons they teach us all!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
How did I get here?
Ever wonder how you got where you are in life? For some people the question might be asked more forcefully, "How the hell did I end up here?" Have you ever thought that every decision you have made up to this point has put you right here right now? It is like thinking of Karma whether bad or good, it is out there.
As I have started on a reading extravaganza in class of Choose Your Own Adventure books, it has made my mind go in whirlwinds of thoughts on the decisions we make in life that have given us our positions on Earth. What if you had chosen turn to page 42 instead of 58? The outcome is always different in the book but the difference in life is we can't turn back the pages and change our first decision. So on this mindless journey in my head I went through some of life's decisions and wondered,” How did I end up here?"
1.) One time I made the decision to bungee jump at a concert. It is like telling the carnie at your local fair, "Yes I trust you with my life, my children and bank account." I no longer remember what concert I was at but have vivid memories of plummeting to my death.
2.) At some point in time there was some gambling going on to as who could eat the most chili with jalapeno peppers. This is a bet that you should walk away from immediately. The outcome is not good and while you feel like the Grim Reaper is knocking at your back door, you realize you don't even like jalapeno peppers.
3.) I once made the decision to "borrow" some table settings from Hacienda. This was an ok move until Hacienda called my mom. They really wanted the actual table back!
4.) While in college it sounded entertaining to interview a racist church leader in town. This decision was almost like a death wish. Have you ever counted pick-up trucks and calculated how tall the trees were in a church parking lot?
5.) One time to shut my sister up during breakfast, I threatened her life. This threat ended up with me chasing her around the yard, wrestling her to the ground and cramming cereal up her nose. This was initially hysterical but then panic hit that if the cereal didn't come out or if she took a deep breath in maybe she would die from lack of oxygen. This scenario became funny again when we crunched the cereal by pinching her nostrils together and her blowing out the crumbs. Ok, maybe this was only funny to me.
6.) I once gave a police officer half of the peace sign because he rolled through a stop sign when it was my turn to actually "go." He clearly broke the law and I was on my way to Hacienda to probably steal that table. He pulled me over and made me "step out of the car." We had a polite conversation.
7.) Most importantly, on a mindless night out with a friend, I decided to stalk out my high school boyfriend. It didn't really occur to me that he might not be around or he might be sitting around with his family. Instead he was sitting at a local establishment with a buddy. (I think I should also point out that if I want to find you, I will. Hiding only makes me more curious. I will find you.) Anyways, this is truly the decision that put me where I am today and what a blessed and crazy place it is.....
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Just Not that Kinda Girl
Recently it seems as though the term "high maintenance chicks" has entered a variety of conversations between some of my friends and myself. As you can imagine it is is agreed that I am not a high maintenance kinda girl. So I decided to make a list to determine where I actually stood on the spectrum. Obviously many of my friends do qualify under many of the HM list so this is not a judgemental list but only my perspective and observations.
1.) A HM girl might prefer to have pedicures to maintain the foot beauty. I prefer to rub my heel on the sidewalk sand papering off the roughness. It works. It is free. Don't judge me.
2) A HM will also change the color of her toenails while getting a pedicure. I just slop on another coat of the hooker red without ever taking the old off. From a distance you can't tell and no one should really be that close to my feet anyways.
3.) A HM girl might let some young Chinese girl use dental floss to remove unwanted eyebrow hairs. (I admit I am intrigued by this but also very bothered) I am lucky to have enough time to get dental floss between my teeth let alone try to rope in unruly eyebrow hair. I pluck to maintain and have not turned into Ewok yet.
4.) A HM girl might like to be wined and dined with a fancy meal. I prefer a hamburger, fries and cold brew.
5.) A HM girl might dress up for that fancy meal. I will not dress up for that burger and fries but might throw on a clean t shirt that does not advertise a running race or recent fundraiser.
6.) A HM girl might shop at places like Victoria Secret for matching bras and panties. I don't know what Victoria is trying to keep a secret because seriously those matching sets leave little to the imagination. I am happy if the "set" still has the elastic in the waistband and stays up. Buy all black and be done.
7.) A HM girl might like to drink wine out of a fancy glass wearing a charm! A glass with a charm? I don't have jewelry with charms! I prefer a cold brown bottle in a "cozy."
8.) A HM girl might like to wear high heels even with her jeans. I do own high heels but I prefer to only look at them and not wear them. Not something I associate with a pair of jeans. The whole purpose of jeans is to be comfortable so it is barefoot or my running shoes.
9.) A HM might pay a lot of money for her unnatural hair color and to reduce the gray. I pluck those babies right out but in all fairness have not had many. At least not enough to go bald yet. If you see a large balding spot you might want to let me know if it looks REALLY bad.
10.) I am leaving #10 open for discussion. I am sure I have neglected some areas of HM girls so I am looking for another great one.
1.) A HM girl might prefer to have pedicures to maintain the foot beauty. I prefer to rub my heel on the sidewalk sand papering off the roughness. It works. It is free. Don't judge me.
2) A HM will also change the color of her toenails while getting a pedicure. I just slop on another coat of the hooker red without ever taking the old off. From a distance you can't tell and no one should really be that close to my feet anyways.
3.) A HM girl might let some young Chinese girl use dental floss to remove unwanted eyebrow hairs. (I admit I am intrigued by this but also very bothered) I am lucky to have enough time to get dental floss between my teeth let alone try to rope in unruly eyebrow hair. I pluck to maintain and have not turned into Ewok yet.
4.) A HM girl might like to be wined and dined with a fancy meal. I prefer a hamburger, fries and cold brew.
5.) A HM girl might dress up for that fancy meal. I will not dress up for that burger and fries but might throw on a clean t shirt that does not advertise a running race or recent fundraiser.
6.) A HM girl might shop at places like Victoria Secret for matching bras and panties. I don't know what Victoria is trying to keep a secret because seriously those matching sets leave little to the imagination. I am happy if the "set" still has the elastic in the waistband and stays up. Buy all black and be done.
7.) A HM girl might like to drink wine out of a fancy glass wearing a charm! A glass with a charm? I don't have jewelry with charms! I prefer a cold brown bottle in a "cozy."
8.) A HM girl might like to wear high heels even with her jeans. I do own high heels but I prefer to only look at them and not wear them. Not something I associate with a pair of jeans. The whole purpose of jeans is to be comfortable so it is barefoot or my running shoes.
9.) A HM might pay a lot of money for her unnatural hair color and to reduce the gray. I pluck those babies right out but in all fairness have not had many. At least not enough to go bald yet. If you see a large balding spot you might want to let me know if it looks REALLY bad.
10.) I am leaving #10 open for discussion. I am sure I have neglected some areas of HM girls so I am looking for another great one.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Education
As the media and politicians continue to showcase teachers and schools as the scapegoat of a society on a downward spiral of failures, I can't help but think back on my own education. I am a product of public school and while I have multiple imperfections, I am a success. I am successful because my parents stood behind me, supported me and guided me in a home filled with love, morals, values and discipline.
When I struggled in school, my parents sat at the kitchen table and worked with me until the skill was understood. I was sent to school knowing my colors, numbers, ABC's, how to tie my shoes, my address, phone number and the difference between right and wrong. My parents made sure I knew the difference between losing and winning with grace. I also knew in order to obtain anything that I had to work for it because no one was standing at the door with a magic wand saying you will achieve! Instead I knew I would achieve if I believe and WORK. Remember The Little Engine that Could, I think I can, I think I can! Thanks for that one mom!
The contrast now is that many parents don't partake in the education of the whole child. Children need their minds, souls and hearts conditioned before entering school. Our society has neglected to continue to pursue the importance of education before children step in the front door of preschool or kindergarten. Parents have become friends of their children beginning in the toddler years and when this cycle continues discipline is thrown out the door along with hard work, dedication and the value of education.
Teachers deal with a large spectrum of students in a classroom and failure is not something we seek out as the media has recently portrayed. Teachers don't sit on their asses waiting for students wanting to learn or parents wanting to help. Teachers put forth their best and sometimes even more to fill in the gaps. The school often provides the one place of security and love while teaching the basics of state standards.
I think it is time for our society to take a long hard look in the mirror and face the cold hard facts. It is time to value education and for parents to begin the process the day a child exits the womb! We are a partnership but we need everyone to realize the stakes are high and recently we are failing together.
Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me the foundation I needed to be successful and being a part of my education. Love you.
When I struggled in school, my parents sat at the kitchen table and worked with me until the skill was understood. I was sent to school knowing my colors, numbers, ABC's, how to tie my shoes, my address, phone number and the difference between right and wrong. My parents made sure I knew the difference between losing and winning with grace. I also knew in order to obtain anything that I had to work for it because no one was standing at the door with a magic wand saying you will achieve! Instead I knew I would achieve if I believe and WORK. Remember The Little Engine that Could, I think I can, I think I can! Thanks for that one mom!
The contrast now is that many parents don't partake in the education of the whole child. Children need their minds, souls and hearts conditioned before entering school. Our society has neglected to continue to pursue the importance of education before children step in the front door of preschool or kindergarten. Parents have become friends of their children beginning in the toddler years and when this cycle continues discipline is thrown out the door along with hard work, dedication and the value of education.
Teachers deal with a large spectrum of students in a classroom and failure is not something we seek out as the media has recently portrayed. Teachers don't sit on their asses waiting for students wanting to learn or parents wanting to help. Teachers put forth their best and sometimes even more to fill in the gaps. The school often provides the one place of security and love while teaching the basics of state standards.
I think it is time for our society to take a long hard look in the mirror and face the cold hard facts. It is time to value education and for parents to begin the process the day a child exits the womb! We are a partnership but we need everyone to realize the stakes are high and recently we are failing together.
Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me the foundation I needed to be successful and being a part of my education. Love you.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Odds and Ends
Odds and Ends
As I continue on this blogging adventure, I thought I would share some odds and ends of information about myself. My close friends will know most of the ODDS but I figure why not throw it all out there. I might have to revise this page at a later date because I have a sneaky suspension that my friends will quickly point out others!
1.) I am a penny pincher. I don’t buy things unless they are on sale or I have a coupon. I will search hours on line for a coupon code.
2.) When I make toast, I always pop it up half through and flip the bread to the other side. Jacob once asked me if I knew that it toasted on both sides either way. I do but I still have to flip it.
3.) I hate drinking my whole cup of coffee. I have to re-fill it once if gets to about ½ empty until the pot is empty.
4.) I have to shower at least twice a day. I can’t function in the morning without a shower, which means I have to wash my hair and shave. I can’t fall asleep at night without taking another and well that means you need to shave again. I find it to be a pleasantly vicious cycle.
5.) I can’t stand Chap Stick, lipstick or lip-gloss. It makes me feel like my lips will fall off.
6.) I also can’t stand fingernail polish. I feel like my hands are dragging on the ground like a gorilla just too much weight.
7.) I can’t sleep with my leg hanging off the bed. I am convinced the boogieman will attack me in Freddy Krueger style by dragging me under the bed in one quick second.
8.) I have been known to spend evenings searching on line for free give away razors. I do find other great freebies but find the mail to your house mayonnaise rather gross.
9.) I attempt to never untie my running shoes. I think it is bad luck. My dad thinks it's lazy. Lol
10.) I would be perfectly happy to never wear socks even in the winter. They really bother me.
11.) As a little kid, I could fly. It really irritated me when others tried to convince me otherwise. I would run a few steps in the living room and “fly around” the room. True story.
12.) I find most things in my daily life funny. I can and do laugh at most events throughout the day and maybe at things that shouldn't make me giggle. My husband kinda thinks NOT so funny when I try to tell him the stories! This makes me laugh even harder.
As I continue on this blogging adventure, I thought I would share some odds and ends of information about myself. My close friends will know most of the ODDS but I figure why not throw it all out there. I might have to revise this page at a later date because I have a sneaky suspension that my friends will quickly point out others!
1.) I am a penny pincher. I don’t buy things unless they are on sale or I have a coupon. I will search hours on line for a coupon code.
2.) When I make toast, I always pop it up half through and flip the bread to the other side. Jacob once asked me if I knew that it toasted on both sides either way. I do but I still have to flip it.
3.) I hate drinking my whole cup of coffee. I have to re-fill it once if gets to about ½ empty until the pot is empty.
4.) I have to shower at least twice a day. I can’t function in the morning without a shower, which means I have to wash my hair and shave. I can’t fall asleep at night without taking another and well that means you need to shave again. I find it to be a pleasantly vicious cycle.
5.) I can’t stand Chap Stick, lipstick or lip-gloss. It makes me feel like my lips will fall off.
6.) I also can’t stand fingernail polish. I feel like my hands are dragging on the ground like a gorilla just too much weight.
7.) I can’t sleep with my leg hanging off the bed. I am convinced the boogieman will attack me in Freddy Krueger style by dragging me under the bed in one quick second.
8.) I have been known to spend evenings searching on line for free give away razors. I do find other great freebies but find the mail to your house mayonnaise rather gross.
9.) I attempt to never untie my running shoes. I think it is bad luck. My dad thinks it's lazy. Lol
10.) I would be perfectly happy to never wear socks even in the winter. They really bother me.
11.) As a little kid, I could fly. It really irritated me when others tried to convince me otherwise. I would run a few steps in the living room and “fly around” the room. True story.
12.) I find most things in my daily life funny. I can and do laugh at most events throughout the day and maybe at things that shouldn't make me giggle. My husband kinda thinks NOT so funny when I try to tell him the stories! This makes me laugh even harder.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Directions in Life
Sometimes life leads us in directions that make us skeptical or even scared of the outcome. I think it is funny how we react at times to the unknown. If we don't know the end result, what is there to really fear? I think of some of the wonderful people I have met, opened my heart to and found friendships that run so deep that I would dare you to try to break the bond or interfere.
Many moons ago, a new teacher started in our school and to be honest I didn't think we had the slightest thing in common. I didn't make an attempt to make nice or perhaps even welcome her to our building. (a big surprise huh?) (somethings never really change) Anyways, I have no recollection as to what allowed us to form a friendship that forced me to care so deeply for her soul. Either way, we have connected on levels that let me know we are sistas from another mista!
I have learned more about life, love and deep devotion from Faryl than any other person could ever attempt to teach. As Faryl embarked upon an unknown path with Sadie Jo, her friends made every attempt to make her family comfortable or at least know they were loved. While perhaps, I was not there on the levels that others were, Faryl always knew how much I cared.
As I watched and read what my friend wrote, it truly inspired my heart and soul. My own heart ached for her but pity is not something Faryl would have ever wanted from us. I watched as Faryl was devoted not only to her family but her job and God. I admired from afar how one person could not only change those around them but truly change the world. I was inspired by her Sadie updates and how much she gave as a mom. I think we say that we believe in God and we trust in His judgement. We say we will let Him guide us blindly and know in the end that our best intentions have been cared for in way that God had pre-planned out. However until you witness this blind love or are put in a that type of position, I don't think it is really the same. I can only pray to one day know if I had to be Led, my heart would guide me and to be half as strong as Faryl.
While I know my friend is in a painful place as her daughter would have turned 5 today, in my heart I know Sadie is celebrating. I think God let her touch so many lives that he needed her more to show other angels how blind love, devotion and guidance can change the world. So today's blog lacks humor but not inspiration or love. I am thankful to be a part of the Smith family and to know my own life has been forever altered because of a sweet long lashed little girl that God shared with us, if only for a short time. xoxoxox.
Many moons ago, a new teacher started in our school and to be honest I didn't think we had the slightest thing in common. I didn't make an attempt to make nice or perhaps even welcome her to our building. (a big surprise huh?) (somethings never really change) Anyways, I have no recollection as to what allowed us to form a friendship that forced me to care so deeply for her soul. Either way, we have connected on levels that let me know we are sistas from another mista!
I have learned more about life, love and deep devotion from Faryl than any other person could ever attempt to teach. As Faryl embarked upon an unknown path with Sadie Jo, her friends made every attempt to make her family comfortable or at least know they were loved. While perhaps, I was not there on the levels that others were, Faryl always knew how much I cared.
As I watched and read what my friend wrote, it truly inspired my heart and soul. My own heart ached for her but pity is not something Faryl would have ever wanted from us. I watched as Faryl was devoted not only to her family but her job and God. I admired from afar how one person could not only change those around them but truly change the world. I was inspired by her Sadie updates and how much she gave as a mom. I think we say that we believe in God and we trust in His judgement. We say we will let Him guide us blindly and know in the end that our best intentions have been cared for in way that God had pre-planned out. However until you witness this blind love or are put in a that type of position, I don't think it is really the same. I can only pray to one day know if I had to be Led, my heart would guide me and to be half as strong as Faryl.
While I know my friend is in a painful place as her daughter would have turned 5 today, in my heart I know Sadie is celebrating. I think God let her touch so many lives that he needed her more to show other angels how blind love, devotion and guidance can change the world. So today's blog lacks humor but not inspiration or love. I am thankful to be a part of the Smith family and to know my own life has been forever altered because of a sweet long lashed little girl that God shared with us, if only for a short time. xoxoxox.
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